Download ValuPrompt Computer Prompter Instruction Manual

ValuPrompt
Computer Prompter
Instruction Manual
For Technical Information Please Call
Voice: (604) 985-2250
Toll Free: 877-TEKSKIL (835-7545)
Toll Free Fax: 877-576-8361
Or Visit Our Website
tekskil.com
Technology That Makes You Look Good
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WARNING:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class “A” digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed in accordance with the instructions in
this
manual,
may
cause
harmful
interference
to
radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area
is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will
be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
`
TEKSKIL ValuPrompt COMPUTER PROMPTER
USER’S MANUAL
Table of Contents
SETTING UP YOUR ValuPrompt...................................................................................................................1
DIAGRAM OF THE ValuPrompt BACK PANEL ............................................................................................ 1
TYPICAL CARTRIDGE DIRECTORY ........................................................................................................... 2
KEYBOARD................................................................................................................................................... 2
CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL ................................................................................................... 2
CREATING NEW SCRIPTS .......................................................................................................................... 3
SAVING SCRIPTS ........................................................................................................................................ 4
EDITING SCRIPTS ....................................................................................................................................... 5
DELETING AND REORDERING SCRIPTS (FILE MANAGEMENT)............................................................ 6
SCRIPT CARTRIDGE MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................................ 7
PROMPTING................................................................................................................................................. 9
DIAGRAM OF THE HAND-HELD REMOTE CONTROL .............................................................................. 9
RECEIVING SCRIPTS FROM OTHER COMPUTERS............................................................................... 10
TRANSMITTING SCRIPTS TO OTHER COMPUTERS ............................................................................. 12
PROBLEM SOLVING .................................................................................................................................. 14
OPTIONS & ACCESSORIES ...................................................................................................................... 14
LIMITED WARRANTY................................................................................................................................. 15
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SETTING UP YOUR ValuPrompt
CAUTION: Never insert a Script Cartridge until after the computer
POWER switch has been turned on. Always remove the
Cartridge before turning POWER off.
Equipment Configuration
¾ ValuPrompt computer prompter
¾ 12 VDC external power supply
¾ Tekskil Script Cartridge
¾ 25’ hand-held remote control
¾ A custom soft-sided carry bag
Equipment Options
¾ A monitor prompter or an LCD prompter to display the script
¾ A communications cable and file transfer software for connecting with an IBM PC or a
Macintosh
Unpacking and Operational Setup
•
Insert the male connector from the external power supply into the 12 VOLT INPUT
connector located on the back of the unit, then plug the supply into a wall outlet.
•
If the hand-held remote control is to be used, plug it into the jack labeled REMOTE
CONTROL on the back of the unit.
•
Attach your prompter monitor to the VIDEO OUT located on the back of the unit, then
turn the ValuPrompt computer on.
Back Panel Layout
POWER
ON
VIDEO
OUT
REMOTE
CONTROL
SERIAL
DOWNLOAD
12 VOLT
INPUT
12 VOLT
OUTPUT
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SETTING UP YOUR ValuPrompt (con’t)
Insert a Script Cartridge (label up) and press LOAD on the keyboard. The contents of the
Cartridge, including the Cartridge header identification, will be read and displayed on the
monitor.
A Typical ValuPrompt Script Cartridge Directory
TEKSKIL VALUPROMPT SCRIPT CARTRIDGE
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
PRESIDENTS SPEECH
CAR SALES
FERRY SINKING
TORNADO KILLS
PROTEST MARCH
SENATE DEBATE
AIR POLLUTION
0034LINES
0174LINES
0095LINES
0215LINES
0019LINES
0077LINES
1370LINES
About the keyboard and conventions used in this manual
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•
All special function keys on the Tekskil ValuPrompt Keyboard are color-coded and
legend-labeled.
•
Operating instructions in this manual in ITALICIZED BOLD TYPE identify Keyboard
keys used to perform these operations.
•
Instructions that reference using the CTRL key in combination with other keys mean,
“press and hold CTRL, then press the other key while still holding CTRL depressed”.
CREATING NEW SCRIPTS
•
Press STORY FILE on the keyboard.
•
Select a blank story by pressing NEXT on the keyboard until the screen appears as
shown below.
## . . . . . . . . . . 0000LINES
•
Press EDIT to enter the EDIT MODE. A flashing cursor will appear. Fill in the Script
number and Title fields, but leave the Line Count as all 0’s. Press RETURN, and type
in your text. Uppercase is the character default in the ValuPrompt; however, pressing
CTRL-U will select the lower case. CTRL-U will allow the User to toggle between upper
and lower case characters. In PROMPT MODE, characters will appear in the case in
which they were typed.
•
When you have finished typing your text, press EDIT again to exit the EDIT MODE.
•
Press STORY FILE
•
Save the new script to Cartridge by pressing CTRL-CART. When the caution message
appears, press Y to complete the process, or any other key to abandon the write-tocartridge sequence. More detailed instructions on saving scripts to cartridge can be
found on the next page.
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SAVING SCRIPTS
Storing Scripts to Cartridge:
The Script File Cartridge is a compact and rugged storage device for your script files,
allowing you to save or download text quickly and securely. Each cartridge contains a small
circuit card with a resident battery, and has a lifespan of about three years under normal
circumstances. The standard capacity of the cartridge is approximately 64 double spaced
pages, or 2 hours of continuous speech. Scripts are created in the ValuPrompt computer
main memory and then copied to cartridge for permanent storage.
* It is important to regularly store script files to cartridge to avoid loss of text.
Whenever scripts are copied to the cartridge, all existing files are overwritten by the
incoming text. Only the Cartridge Title (header) is not modified by a storage to cartridge. It
is designed to be a secure reference label for the cartridge and must be amended
separately (if desired).
•
Press STORY FILE.
•
Press CTRL-CART to write scripts to cartridge. The screen shown below will appear as a
caution. Continuing with this operation will replace the current contents of the cartridge with
the scripts in main memory. Press Y to complete the process, or any other key to abandon
the write-to-cartridge sequence.
THIS OPERATION COPIES MAIN MEMORY
TO THE CARTRIDGE
***** CAUTION!! *****
CURRENT SCRIPTS STORED
IN THE CARTRIDGE WILL
BE REPLACED BY THE
SCRIPTS STORED IN MAIN
MEMORY
PRESS Y TO WRITE TO CARTRIDGE
PRESS ANY OTHER KEY TO ABORT
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EDITING SCRIPTS
Selecting the Desired Script
•
To select a script for editing, first press STORY FILE on the keyboard to display the list
of scripts in main memory. To advance through the story file, press the NEXT key or
CTRL-N. To move backward through the story file press PREVIOUS or CTRL-P.
•
Use the sliding speed control beside the keyboard to quickly scroll through the script
until you find the spot you want to edit.
Editing the Script
•
Press EDIT. A flashing cursor will appear. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor to
the location where you want to make edits.
•
When EDIT is entered, Insert Mode is in effect. Pressing a key will insert that character
to the left of the flashing cursor. Pressing the backspace key will delete the character
to the left of the flashing cursor.
•
When finished editing, press EDIT again to exit EDIT mode.
•
Press STORY FILE. Save your changes to cartridge if desired.
The following are available in EDIT mode (flashing cursor)
CTRL-D
will delete the character under the cursor.
CTRL-K
will delete the entire line.
CTRL-O
will toggle between Insert Mode and Overstrike Mode.
CTRL-U
will toggle between the uppercase and lower case character sets.
CTRL-F
will invoke FIND (in both the PROMPT and EDIT modes). FIND can be aborted at
this time by typing a carriage return. A window will appear at the top of the
monitor. Type in the word to be found in the script and press a carriage return or
the spacebar. The cursor will move through the script to the selected word and
stop, flashing quickly. Press the EDIT key once to revert to EDIT mode (slow
cursor). Touch the EDIT key again and PROMPT mode is re-invoked. This is a
helpful utility for finding a key word, setting markers or start pointers in a long
script. FIND is case sensitive.
CTRL-C
will invoke CHANGE (in both PROMPT and EDIT modes). Type in the word(s) to be
changed - up to 14 characters and enter a carriage return. Type in the new
word(s) and enter a carriage return. At the first match, type a carriage return or
enter a CTRL-A for automatic change of all matches within the script. Touching
the spacebar at a match skips that CHANGE. At the end of script press the EDIT
key twice to return to normal operation. CHANGE is case sensitive.
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SCRIPT FILE MANAGEMENT (Delete and Reorder)
Scripts, created from keyboard, downloaded from another computer via the serial port, or loaded
from a Script Cartridge, are temporarily held in computer main memory before being permanently
stored to Cartridge. They can be displayed by pressing STORY FILE on the ValuPrompt
keyboard. All entries will be displayed, terminated by an END OF SCRIPTS IN MAIN MEMORY
message. If more than 15 Scripts are in main memory, use the speed control to scroll up the next
screen of entries.
Preferred Method to Delete a Script:
•
Press CTRL-STORY FILE to enter the story file edit mode. The story file will be
displayed, along with a flashing cursor.
•
Use the arrow keys to move the flashing cursor to the story number of the story you
wish to delete.
•
Change the story number of the story you wish to delete to DD (must be upper case
DD).
•
To delete additional scripts, repeat steps 2 and 3.
•
Press CTRL-STORY FILE. Any scripts whose numbers were changed to DD will be
deleted.
•
To save the modified story file to Cartridge, press CTRL-CART and answer yes (Y) to
the caution message.
Alternate Method to Delete a Script:
•
Press STORY FILE.
•
Press keyboard NEXT (CTRL-N) or PREVIOUS (CTRL-P) until the story to be deleted
is displayed.
•
Press CTRL-Z. This will fill the story with blank spaces, but will not recover the
memory space occupied by the story.
To Reorder Scripts:
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•
Press CTRL-STORY FILE to enter the story file edit mode. The story file will be
displayed, along with a flashing cursor. The lowest numbered script will be at the top,
and the highest numbered at the bottom.
•
Select the reorder sequence, and set the “new” first story’s number to blank 0 (not 00).
Subsequent SCRIPTS become blank 2, blank 3, etc. up to blank 9.
•
If additional reorder is required, then set the story numbers from 10 to 19, followed by
“0 to “9.
•
Press CTRL-STORY FILE. The scripts will be reordered as specified, and renumbered
from 01 to 39.
•
To save the modified story file to Cartridge, press CTRL-CART and answer yes (Y) to
the caution message.
SCRIPT CARTRIDGE MANAGEMENT
To Display the directory or contents of a Script Cartridge:
•
Insert a cartridge (label up) into the Script Cartridge Slot on the ValuPrompt right side
panel.
•
The monitor will indicate the Cartridge Title (header), and list the scripts that are stored
on the Cartridge. If the Cartridge is empty, then the monitor will be blank except for the
cartridge title.
•
To step back to the cartridge directory from any other mode such as Story File, or
Prompt, simply press the PREVIOUS key or CTRL-P repeatedly until the cartridge
directory appears.
To Load a Cartridge into ValuPrompt main memory:
•
Insert a cartridge (label up) into the Script Cartridge Slot on the ValuPrompt right side
panel.
•
Press the LOAD key.
•
The contents of the Cartridge will be copied into ValuPrompt main memory, and listed
on the monitor.
To Delete all information in a Cartridge (Except the Header):
•
Advance to any story resident in ValuPrompt main memory by pressing the NEXT key.
•
Press CTRL-X (erases all text in main memory). Main memory is now blank.
•
Press CTRL-CART to copy main memory to the Script Cartridge. When the write-tocartridge caution message is displayed, press Y. Only the protected Cartridge Title
(header) will be displayed indicating all text has been deleted from the cartridge.
Alternate Method of Deleting all Scripts in a Cartridge:
•
Insert cartridge, but do not press LOAD.
•
Turn ValuPrompt off and allow 20 seconds for memory to clear.
•
Press CTRL-CART.
•
Press Y when the caution message is displayed.
•
This action will write the empty memory of the ValuPrompt to the cartridge, clearing all
the contents except the Cartridge Title (header).
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To Create a Cartridge Title (or Header):
A Script Cartridge should be assigned a title (header) for ease of identification. To create a
title, proceed as follows:
•
Insert a cartridge (label up) into the Script Cartridge Slot on the ValuPrompt right side
panel
•
Press CART. The following screen will appear.
CARTRIDGE TITLE EDIT
*
*
*
*
*
*
Press Y To Change Cartridge Title
Press Any Other Key To Abort
Maximum 37 Characters In Title
Type Over Existing Title
Use Spacebar To Erase To End Of Line
Press CART Again To Save.
•
To continue the Cartridge Title edit press Y, pressing any other key will abandon the
Cartridge Title edit sequence. A flashing cursor will appear at the top left of the monitor.
•
Type in the desired Cartridge Title.
Caution: Only one line, or up to thirty-seven (37) characters are allowed for a
Cartridge Title. Do not enter a carriage return in the character string.
•
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Press CART again to end the Cartridge Title Edit. The new Cartridge Title will be displayed
along with a list of scripts residing on the cartridge.
PROMPTING
•
Press STORY FILE on the keyboard to display the scripts available in main memory.
NEXT (CTRL-N) or PREVIOUS (CTRL-P) will allow you to move through the Story File
until the desired script is found. PROMPT can also be entered directly from EDIT
mode. With a single keystroke, you can prompt the same story you were editing.
•
Press the PROMPT key on the keyboard. The script will automatically appear in the
large prompting font. Speed and direction of the text viewed by the talent, is controlled
by the built-in speed control beside the keyboard.
•
Script size may be changed between the large prompt font and small edit font by
pressing the PROMPT key on the keyboard. This toggle is available only when in a
non-edit mode, i.e. the flashing cursor not visible. The small edit font allows the
operator to view a larger block of text (i.e. 40 character wide lines) than would be
available in the prompt format (17 characters wide).
Optional Hand-Held Remote Control
•
The remote control regulates scrolling speed and direction by rotating the thumb wheel.
Once it has been plugged into the REMOTE CONTROL jack on the ValuPrompt back
panel, rotating the thumb wheel toward the top (away from the cord) increases the
scrolling speed in the forward direction. Rotating the thumb wheel toward the bottom
(toward the cable) will scroll the script in reverse.
Please note that when the remote control is plugged in, it disables the sliding
speed control beside the keyboard.
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Transmitting And Receiving Scripts
Scripts can be created on another computer and transferred to a Tekskil computer prompter using
a serial cable. A custom serial cable and file transfer software to download files to the ValuPrompt
is available from Tekskil (1 877 TEKSKIL). The Tekskil serial cable is clearly marked with one end
to install into your PC and one end to the computer prompter.
A custom serial cable and file transfer software is also available for Macintosh computers. The file
format for all files transferred to a Tekskil computer prompter is ascii text (.txt extension). A script
must be saved as a text file prior to being downloaded to the computer prompter.
If you wish to upload files or RECEIVE SCRIPTS FROM a Tekskil computer prompter to another
computer, you will require a commercially available communications software package for your PC
or Macintosh.
Receiving Scripts From Other Computers
Note: Prior to transferring / downloading a script, you must attach the Tekskil serial cable from the
prompter to the PC / Macintosh. The custom Tekskil serial transfer cable is clearly marked with one
end for your PC / Macintosh and one end to the Tekskil controller. Turn on the Tekskil computer.
To receive a text file transferred from a computer, a new script must first be created on the
computer prompter (see CREATING NEW SCRIPTS in this manual).
Assign a script number and a title, then enter a carriage return to open the file.
Now press the DOWNLOAD key to display the instruction screen.
TO RECEIVE SCRIPTS
-PRESS NEXT TIL BLANK SCRIPT IS DISPLAYED
-PRESS EDIT
-ASSIGN SCRIPT NUMBER AND TITLE
-PRESS THE KEYBOARD DOWNLOAD KEY
-PRESS V
-SELECT THE DESIRED BAUD RATE
TO TRANSMIT SCRIPTS
-SELECT THE DESIRED
-PRESS EDIT
-PRESS THE KEYBOARD
-PRESS THE KEYBOARD
-PRESS W
-SELECT THE DESIRED
SCRIPT
SPACEBAR ONCE
DOWNLOAD KEY
BAUD RATE
Press V to select SERIAL PORT RECEIVE. The BAUD RATE MENU will then appear.
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SERIAL PORT RECEIVE
Use This Feature To Receive Data From
Other Prompters Or Computers, Or To
Receive Stories Over A Modem.
PRESS
1 FOR 300 BAUD
4 FOR 2400 BAUD
2 FOR 600 BAUD
5 FOR 4800 BAUD
3 FOR 1200 BAUD
6 FOR 9600 BAUD
Select 6 for 9600 BAUD, as this is the default value for file transfer.
When the baud rate has been selected, the monitor will display READY TO RECEIVE.
READY TO RECEIVE
INITIATE SEND FROM OTHER COMPUTER
PRESS EDIT TO END RECEIVE MODE
This indicates that the computer prompter is ready to receive text. You may now initiate the send
operation from your host computer.
The incoming text will be displayed on the monitor as it is received to memory.
When the receive operation is complete, press the EDIT key again to end the receive operation
and close the file.
If desired, the script may now be saved to cartridge using the normal save to cartridge procedure.
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Transmitting Scripts To Other Computers
Scripts can be created on another computer and transferred to a Tekskil computer prompter using
a serial cable. A custom serial cable and file transfer software to download files to the ValuPrompt
is available from Tekskil (1 877 TEKSKIL). The Tekskil serial cable is clearly marked with one end
to install into your PC and one end to the computer prompter.
A custom serial cable and file transfer software is also available for Macintosh computers. The file
format for all files transferred to a Tekskil computer prompter is ascii text (.txt extension). A script
must be saved as a text file prior to being downloaded to the computer prompter.
If you wish to upload files or RECEIVE SCRIPTS FROM a Tekskil computer prompter to another
computer, you will require a commercially available communications software package for your PC
or Macintosh.
To transmit or upload a script to a computer, first choose the file by pressing STORY FILE, then
NEXT (CTRL-N) until the desired story is displayed.
Now press EDIT to invoke the flashing cursor. Using the down arrow key on the keyboard, move
the flashing cursor to the first character in the first line of text. Touch your keyboard spacebar to
open the file. Now press the DOWNLOAD key to display the instruction screen.
TO RECEIVE SCRIPTS
-PRESS NEXT TIL BLANK SCRIPT IS DISPLAYED
-PRESS EDIT
-ASSIGN SCRIPT NUMBER AND TITLE
-PRESS THE KEYBOARD DOWNLOAD KEY
-PRESS V
-SELECT THE DESIRED BAUD RATE
TO TRANSMIT SCRIPTS
-SELECT THE DESIRED
-PRESS EDIT
-PRESS THE KEYBOARD
-PRESS THE KEYBOARD
-PRESS W
-SELECT THE DESIRED
SCRIPT
SPACEBAR ONCE
DOWNLOAD KEY
BAUD RATE
Press W to select SERIAL PORT TRANSMIT. The BAUD RATE MENU will then appear.
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SERIAL PORT TRANSMIT
Use This Feature To Receive Data From
Other Prompters Or Computers, Or To
Receive Stories Over A Modem.
PRESS
1 FOR 300 BAUD
4 FOR 2400 BAUD
2 FOR 600 BAUD
5 FOR 4800 BAUD
3 FOR 1200 BAUD
6 FOR 9600 BAUD
Select 6 for 9600 BAUD, as this is the default value for file transfer.
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Problem Solving
Problem
Solution
What is the storage capacity of the
ValuPrompt script cartridge?
The Script Cartridge holds approximately 64 double spaced
pages or 2 continuous hours of script material.
Cannot enter more than 13-14 lines
in a story.
This is normal operation if typing in Overstrike Mode. Press
CTRL-O to select Insert Mode, continue typing.
Part of a story sometimes
disappears when loaded from
cartridge.
Main memory has been over filled. Press load only once per
cartridge. Multiple cartridges can be loaded into memory
sequentially, but beware that memory can be overfilled with
unpredictable results.
DO NOT WRITE BACK TO CARTRIDGE when memory is
overfilled. To do so will save the corrupted text to cartridge.
Scripts are not saved to cartridge.
Be sure to hold down the CTRL key while pressing the CART
key (i.e. press and hold CTRL and then press CART).
Cartridge Title not saved
Be sure to press only the CART key when finished entering
the title. Pressing any other key will abort the operation.
Cannot download script from PC
Ensure that the serial cable is installed with end marked
Tekskil to ValuPrompt, and end marked PC to PC
Downloaded script contains
garbage characters
Ensure file has been saved as plain (ASCII) text, not word
processing format such as MS Word or WordPerfect
Options and Accessories
Accessory
Function
Additional Script Cartridge
Holds approximately 64 double spaced pages or 2 hours of
script
Windows File Transfer Kit (serial
cable + software)
Macintosh File Transfer Kit
(serial cable + software)
Receive scripts composed on other computers. Available in
configurations to suit IBM or Macintosh. Includes a custom
serial cable and file transfer utility.
Carrying Case
Soft-sided case protects the ValuPrompt during transport.
Fits under an airline seat.
9, 12 or 15” Monitor Prompters
Tekskil Monitor, LCD, Gas Plasma and Speech Prompter
display products. All come complete with AC/DC operation,
composite video input and self-terminating loop through.
9, 12, 15 or 20” LCD and Gas
Plasma Prompter Heads
15” Speech Prompter (TSP)
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Call Tekskil Customer Support for details. 1 (877) TEKSKIL
LIMITED WARRANTY
Tekskil industries, Inc. (“Tekskil”) warrants this product against defects in material and
workmanship for a period of three (3) years from the date of purchase. This warranty
applies only to products and components manufactured and supplied by Tekskil, which
can be identified by the Tekskil trademark or logo affixed to them. Tekskil does not
warrant products not manufactured and supplied by them.
During the warranty period, Tekskil will repair (or at it’s option replace) this Tekskil
product, or any Tekskil-supplied components that prove to be defective, provided that the
product is returned, all shipping charges prepaid, to an authorized Tekskil distributor.
This warranty does not apply if the product has been damaged by abuse, misuse, or
misapplication, or as a result of service or modification by other than an authorized Tekskil
service facility.
Tekskil is not responsible for damages resulting from the breach of any express or implied
warranty, including damage to property and, to the extent permitted by law, damages for
personal injury. Some states and provinces do not allow the exclusion of incidental or
consequential damages, so the above limitation may not apply to you.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES. ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THREE (3)
YEARS FROM THE DATE OF RETAIL PURCHASE OF THIS PRODUCT. Some states
and provinces do not allow limitation of how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above
limitation may not apply to you.
This warranty shall not be applicable to the extent that any provision of this warranty is
prohibited by any federal, state, provincial, or municipal law that cannot be preempted.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that may
vary from state to state, and province to province.
Tekskil Industries Inc.
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